📋 Tender Overview
The modernisation work on Villach's main railway station, one of the largest and most important rail transport hubs in Austria, will soon begin. In order to make the station, which was last rebuilt in 1991-94, fit for the challenges of the continuously growing railway operation, it will receive a contemporary update in several construction phases. In preparation for the commissioning of the Koralm Railway and the introduction of the new customer-friendly clock system, the station is now being made fit for the future. The work will be carried out in several stages and is expected to be completed by 2027.
Christiane Schiavinato, Project Manager ÖBB Infrastruktur AG: "We are on the verge of a comprehensive modernisation of the important railway infrastructure in Villach. With the commissioning of the Koralm Railway and the new, customer-friendly interval system, we are realising significant improvements for rail passengers. In order to be able to operate reliably, we will need more space for trains in the future, and passengers should benefit from better and more comfortable options for transferring."
"We are not only investing in the expansion of public transport, but above all in the future of the business location. Villach is a central transport hub along the entire new southern route and will also be given new opportunities as a location in the heart of the Alps-Adriatic region. After all, good transport connections are increasingly becoming a location factor," says Sebastian Schuschnig, Provincial Councillor for Economic Affairs and Transport, underlining the importance of the project.
Villach's mayor Günther Albel sees the investments in context: "Villach is a transport hub of European importance. Infrastructure improvements strengthen this position and complement our consistent path towards modern mobility infrastructure. Bus frequency, cycle paths, sharing models – never before has so much happened in Villach. The modernisation of the main station fits perfectly into the overall picture."
Customer-friendly and efficient for decades
to come The renewal of the platforms and the rail infrastructure will enable more connections and create better transfer options for passengers. The extensions and renewals of the platform equipment cover several areas: the enclosures of the waiting berths, the renewal of the lifts and stairs as well as escalators, a tactile guidance system for the blind and visually impaired, new platform lighting, loudspeakers, monitors and video systems.
New access areas and relocation of the car train terminal For easier access to the railway,
the entrances to Villach's main railway station will be adapted from the east and west. Generous bicycle parking facilities in the eastern and western areas complement the existing Bike&Ride offer. At the end of the work in autumn 2024, around 270 bicycle parking spaces will be available to travellers.
The car train or car loading will be relocated entirely to the existing car passenger train terminal 2 and unbundled from the customer areas.
New glass roofs with photovoltaic function New glass roofs with photovoltaic function
will be installed on the three island platform roofs of platforms 2/3, 4/5 and 6/7. These can generate an average of over 450 MWh of electricity annually on an area of around 3,000 m². This corresponds to the electricity requirements of more than 100 households. The electricity fed into the grid is used to supply the buildings and facilities at Villach Central Station. In addition, wood will be used as a building material for the new construction of the platform roofs: approx. 1,500 m² of wooden surface will be used for platform roofing.
Impact on passengers
Due to the works, partial closures of the station and adjustments to the timetable during the main works are essential. In the meantime, the function of the platform currently under construction is fulfilled by a temporary platform. The temporary structure is not barrier-free. A wayfinding system, information posters and staff support travellers on site.
We ask for your understanding for any inconvenience caused by a construction site.
